We review the Volkswagen Golf R Estate from price to economy and all its features

I AM of the age now when a few of my mates have kids.

I don't have any myself, but it doesn't stop them banging on at me about how difficult it is being a parent, yada yada yada.

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One of the most common themes in their bleating is the nightmare of driving long journeys with the sprogs in the back — fighting each other, complaining, throwing rusks at the driver.

I challenge any infant to not be stunned into silence by this feat of near-perfect engineering

Well, I've got a solution to this problem: Buy the Golf R Estate.

Seriously, I challenge any infant to not be stunned into silence by this feat of near-perfect engineering.

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And if they aren't enthralled by how flawless it is, they'll soon shut up when you flick it into race mode and start attacking roundabouts like The Stig (I'm not seriously advocating goon-driving with your beloved offspring in the back — well, it's up to you).

Honestly, you don't need to splash out on high-end Range Rovers with TVs in the headrests, or wifi connected SUVs from Japan. This is the happy parent's greatest ally

The regular Golf R is still the car I go to when someone asks: "What car would you buy tomorrow?" Now VW is offering an elongated version of its phenomenal hot hatch. In May, I brought you a few first impressions on the Golf R Estate. But that was from a launch during which I got limited time in the car.

Now I've had one of these bad boys for a week. And I don't want to give it back.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't choose it over a hatchback, but that's because the extra space would be wasted on me.

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But the day I do need to cart around kiddies and a Labrador — or open an antique shop — this is where I'll be spending my money.

The Golf R has the ultimate amount of power for a day-to-day car. We would all love a Lambo or an Aston Martin, but they cost more than our houses, plus you can only fit yourself and someone else in them. The 300bhp, two-litre turbo engine in this VW is one of the best engines money can buy.

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Smooth, manageable, but punchy as hell when you need to get the hammer down.

It will bang out 0-60 in five seconds — quicker than the standard Porsche Cayman, a two seater sports car.

Five driving modes mean you can tailor the ride to your needs, from eco (less turbo boost, higher gearing, less thirsty) to race mode (full-on power and revvy performance from the auto 'box).

There's even a comfort mode for when your little darlings get tuckered out from all the excitement, bless 'em, and the Golf R is blissfully quiet on the motorway.

When you do fancy a soundtrack, pop into race mode and listen to the raspy punch of the gear change — the sweetest sound in the world.

Almost good enough to make me want kids

The one thing that lets it down is how it looks. I understand VW's decision not to pimp up the Golf R, and on the hatchback, understated styling works well. But the estate looks ... well, a bit estate-y.

I'd have liked to see some effort to distinguish it from the rest of the school run pack.

Although as soon as I'm inside and that engine is running, all is forgiven.

This car is almost good enough to make me want kids. Almost.